Sage green is a hugely popular color right now, increasingly becoming a favorite among interior designers and homeowners alike. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams named it their Color of the Year 2022, so it’s safe to say it’s here to stay!
Sage green is a subtle gray-green color with hints of yellow to it—it also has some slightly blue undertones. This paint color has an organic and serene coloring that can give any space a timeless and relaxing feel.
The paint color’s strong ties to nature can make your study or living room feel grounded. You can also apply it to your kitchen cabinets to add a subtle pop of color and give them a relaxed feel. The color also works well in bathrooms and bedrooms, creating a feeling of serenity.
Today, we’ll look at the 12 best sage green paint colors to inspire your next home renovation.
Take a look!
1. Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Frosted Fern
Sherwin Williams Frosted Fern is a gorgeous, deeper sage paint color. It’s a muted hue halfway between green and gray that leans cool. Frosted Fern is an excellent alternative to a truly neutral paint color.
The paint color also has tiny brown undertones that make it a great complement to dark, earthy tones. In the above example, you can see how the sage on the cabinets, range hood, and island beautifully complements the wood tones on the floor, seats, and kitchen equipment.
Using gray on the tile backsplash and marble countertops is an excellent way to capitalize on the gray undertones in the Frosted Fern paint color; they blend seamlessly to form a uniform look.
Sherwin Williams Frosted Fern has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 39, so the paint color will change depending on the natural light in the room; it’ll have a lighter look with more light and a more profound sage look with less natural light. We recommend sampling the color before applying it to your home to see how it’ll look during different times of the day.
Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme
Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme is a relatively muddy green paint color that’s not too bright, with hints of brown undertones. The paint color also has the slightest of blue undertones—barely noticeable—that help it lean cool, not warm.
The paint color has ample depth and boldness that makes a space further dramatic and heavy; the above sage green wall perfectly depicts its boldness. It looks best on kitchen cabinets, furniture frames, walls, in dining rooms, or in a nursery.
The paint color looks good on contemporary or traditional designs and pairs nicely with blacks, browns, creams, and bright whites. You can see how the sage walls in this room beautifully complement the white and brown tones on the trim, ceiling, wainscoting, fireplace, furniture, rug, and floor.
Dried Thyme has an LRV of 21, so it won’t reflect too much light in the room. Therefore, consider the amount of light your room receives before applying it.
Sherwin Williams Green Onyx
Sherwin Williams Green Onyx is a medium sage green paint color with gray and slightly yellow undertones. Its LRV is 31—not too bright, not too dark—and it has a traditional vibe.
This paint color is best suited for your kitchen cabinets, bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.
The above bathroom shows how this sage green pairs well with dark brown tones on the woven Roman shades, rattan towel basket, and area rug. The white on the floor, cabinets, countertop, trim, and accents complement the hue, giving it a calming look.
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage is a distinctive sage green paint color that’s not too green or too silver—just right there in the middle. It has an LRV of 45, so it’s a mid-range, medium-tone color.
Saybrook Sage is a classic paint color in Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. You can use this paint color everywhere, from walls to cabinetry. It’s also a timeless, happy sage green, perfect for your exterior.
The paint color pairs well with flooring with warm tones. You can see how the above kitchen’s wooden floor and island countertop complement the sage green cabinets. The white tile backsplash and marble countertops provide a subtle contrast, while hints of silver on the oven and accessories keep things bright.
Benjamin Moore High Park
Benjamin Moore High Park is a deeper sage green paint color (LRV of 30) with gray undertones. It’s a beautiful kind of dusty emerald green.
High Park is part of Benjamin Moore’s Classic Collection, and it’s a paint color best suited for your bedroom, bathroom, accent walls, cabinets, and shelving.
This calming color ties well with natural materials, as seen in the above entryway. The dark wood floor, vintage console table, lamp stand, trays, handrail, and stair treads ground the palette, while white on the trim, staircase, and lampshade provide a pleasant contrast.
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore October Mist was named Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2022; it’s practically the paint color that started the sage green trend!
October Mist is basically a soft green paint color. It has an LRV of 46, so it’s right there in the middle, with fairly noticeable changes when used at home. It’s good to note that these mid-range colors could turn out to be dark if there isn’t much light in the room.
The paint color is best suited for cabinets and accent walls, especially when you want to add some coziness to the space.
Here, the gray tile floor and granite countertop perfectly anchor the sage green on the island’s shaker-style fronts and side panels, while clean and bright white around the island brings balance.
3. Behr
Behr Sage Green
Behr Sage Green is a calm green paint color with subtle gray undertones. The paint color has an LRV of 22, so it should be used in a room with plenty of light.
The paint color can be used for kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It pairs well with neutrals such as white, beige, and off-white.
In this kitchen, the sage green cabinets and window trim act as focal points, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The crisp white tile backsplash and marble countertops help reflect light to keep the paint color cool and bright.
Behr Bitter Sage
Behr Bitter Sage looks almost like a dark olive hue with tan and yellow undertones. The paint color has an LRV of 33, so it will be perfect in any room with a decent amount of natural light.
The paint color’s tan undertones help it pair exceptionally well with earthy hues, and that combo is what has been used in this elegant living room. The brown tones on the floor, fireplace surround, rugs, and furniture complement the sage green walls nicely.
Off-white tones on the area rug, lampshade, and chairs help maintain a warm, cozy vibe, while hints of greenery keep things looking fresh. The bright white ceiling injects some color into the space.
Behr Nature’s Gift
Behr Nature’s Gift is a beautiful earthy green paint color that essentially comes out as a medium green with cool slate gray undertones.
The paint color has an LRV of 35, so it’s more on the cooler side, but it has the right amount of green and gray to be a mid-toned sage. It also has some cool blue undertones that help calm it, especially in rooms with bright lighting or north-facing rooms with bright indirect light.
Nature’s Gift has a muted feeling but still enough saturation for it to be pronounced, giving it a great sense of balance. In this room, the sage green is dark enough to be impactful while light enough to be pleasant; it just shows you it’s easy to work with this sage. The white trim ties in the green and brown hues in the space.
4. Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball Green Smoke
Farrow and Ball Green Smoke is a green paint color cooled off by a slate gray undertone.
Green Smoke has an LRV of 19, so it’s a pretty dark color and will work best in rooms with plenty of light—this will help you see that green hue come alive. It’s mainly used on accent walls so that the color can draw your eyes.
The charcoal gray bathtub in this bathroom feels really deep against the sage green wall without going all the way to pitch-black territory. The pale gray drapery anchors the deeper hues, while the woven basket contrasts nicely.
Farrow and Ball Lichen
Farrow and Ball Lichen is a calm, muted medium shade of sage green with yellow and blue undertones. Lichen has a LRV of 34, and it’s the perfect paint color if you want to make a statement with your sage green.
The paint color is particularly ideal for more traditional interiors, as evident in the above example; it evokes a serene and organic feel.
The color looks beautiful with creamy whites, deep blacks, and wood tones. The same can be seen here with wood and white tones on the staircase, floor, furniture, artwork, and trim complementing the sage green panels.
Farrow and Ball Sutcliffe Green
Farrow and Ball Sutcliffe Green is a rich, deep sage green paint color with blue undertones that make it grounding and invigorating.
The paint color was named after the profound colorist John Sutcliffe, a person who was instrumental in realizing the vision of today’s Farrow and Ball. It has an LRV of 28 and is perfect for dining rooms, libraries, and feature walls.
Here, the depth and intensity of Sutcliffe Green on the paneled wall, wainscoting, and couch add a sense of timeless charm and character to the space. Pair this color with neutrals, warm wood tones, and metallic accents for a cozy ambiance.
What Color Compliments Sage Green Paint Colors?
- Blush Pink
- Mustard Yellow
- Navy Blue
- Charcoal Grey
- Soft Lavender
Blush Pink
Blush pink is a soft, muted shade of pink with a hint of warmth. Its gentle warmth contrasts beautifully with the cool, earthy tones of sage green, creating a balanced and calming palette.
Try using blush pink accents in textiles, such as throw pillows or curtains, to add a touch of romance to a sage green room.
Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow is a rich, deep yellow with a hint of brown. This vibrant pop of color pairs well with the muted, natural feel of sage green, adding warmth and a touch of retro flair.
Incorporate mustard yellow through decorative items like cushions, vases, or artwork to make a space feel inviting and energetic.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a deep, dark blue that resembles the color of the ocean at night. Its deep, sophisticated hue provides a striking contrast to the soft, subdued tones of sage green.
Use navy blue furniture such as a sofa or armchair to add depth and a sense of elegance to a room.
Charcoal Grey
Charcoal grey is a dark, neutral grey that exudes a modern and sophisticated vibe. It pairs well with sage green, creating a chic and understated look.
Consider using charcoal grey for larger elements like walls or flooring to anchor a room and highlight the freshness of sage green.
Soft Lavender
Soft lavender is a delicate, pale purple with a soothing quality. The subtle coolness of soft lavender enhances the natural, tranquil feel of sage green.
Add soft lavender through accessories like rugs, throw blankets, or wall art to create a serene and harmonious environment.
